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Zuri Zanzibar is one of Zanzibar’s most exciting and exquisite resorts. This five star masterpiece offers over 32 acres of pure bliss and joy and is the perfect spot to take in all the natural beauty Zanzibar has to offer.
Zuri Zanzibar. The name it self awakens the senses and preys on the limites of the imagination and is the ultimate emobodiment of beauty and luxury.
Located in the Norrthwest of Zanzibar in Kendwa, it is the perfect spot for sunset seekers, those looking to unwind under the sun, relax in privacy or venture out into a variety of water sports
Zuri Zanzibar, a little background
Part of Design Hotels, the beauty of Zuri Zanzibar lies in its humble beginnings. Owned and created by Vaclav Dejmar, his vision was to inspire, protect and sustain – a philosophy that echoes throughout Zuri.
And what does ‘Zuri’ mean exactly? Well, it stems from the Swahili word ‘nzuri’ meaning nice or beautiful and I couldn’t have picked a better word to describe a place that has such a hypnotic aura.
The magic of Zuri Zanzibar
Set on a sloping hill overlooking the sparking blue and emerald colours of the Indian Ocean, Zuri Zanzibar is like a dream crafted into reality and kissed by mother nature herself. It almost has a village-like feel to it with all the tropical trimmings and more.
It’s private 300 metre stretch of pristine white sandy beach dotter with lush green palm trees, boasts some of the most stunning sunsets and calm tides. From sundowners to terrace sitters, there’s always a front view available to watch the orange sunset hues fill up the sky and shimmer over the ocean blue.
The resort consists of 56 stand-alone bungalows, suites and villas all equipped with outdoor showers and large private terraces. Each come with beach front views and is engulfed with over 400 indigenous plants (talk about lushness overload!) The overall decor is a perfect balance of traditional African influence and modern contemporary designs with hints of Asian flares.
Unique touches and attention to detail
Zuri Zanzibar is as eco-friendly as it gets. It’s attention to detail, environmental factors and support and inclusion of the islands locals is admirable. You’ll find up-cycled bottle chandeliers, unique light fixtures and paper bead curtains from glass and paper waster by the female led group Chako Zanzibar.
There’s also:
- wooden furnishings made from the timbers of old dhow boats.
- Seaweed manufactured pure organic soaps grown by local female seaweed farmers used for the resort’s toiletries.
- A desalination plant that uses both ozone technology and reverse osmosis to supply its own water throughout the resort which is than treated and reused for the gardens.
- They even have a programme in place to clean up the beach and build a coral as well as tourism and hospitality training and educational environmental programs provided for the youth and local schools.
There is no question about it. Zuri Zanzibar was thought out to a tee. Every detail was considered with great care and created with both an ecological and social responsibility.
The best things to do at Zuri Zanzibar
1. Relax in your room
Privacy is second to none at Zuri Zanzibar and due to its separate bungalows and villas, you can enjoy time in your own space and delve into your own little bubble of bliss. Soak your worries away with a bath, take an outdoor shower, swing in your own thoughts on the hammocks or cozy up to a book or DVD (rented out at reception) within a self-controlled temperate environment.
2. Take a dip in the infinity pool
Overlooking the ocean, side by side with the main restaurant and complete and utter serenity, the infinity pool is the place for a refreshing dip!
3. Enjoy the private beach
Unaffected by tidal fluctuations, Zuri’s beach is like therapy for every one of the senses! You can enjoy laying under the thatched umbrellas whilst soaking the warm Zanzibari sun. Walk along the sugary white sands of the beach and speak to the locals or Masai people along the way (they’re super friendly!) And ofcorse, a swim or dip in the beach’s calm shimmering water is a must!
4. Do a spot of sundowning
Magical moments are real! The north of Zanzibar is known for its stunning sunsets and rightly so! Get a beautiful layout of cushions on the beach whilst the sun sets over the horizon and the sky deepens in gorgeous orange and red shades. You can order drinks and snacks at the beach bar and watch the silhouettes of the dhow boats against the sky. And above all, be completely in the present moment.
5. Experience a dhow boat
Sailing in the Indian Ocean with these traditional sailing boats is an experience you shouldn’t let pass by. The trip consists of swimming, scenery, sunsets, food, fun and fab vibes!
6. Get your food on!
Two souls become one over a romantic candlelit dinner or a private secluded lunch on the beach. Or eat at one the amazing THREE restaurants which won’t fail to impress! Also there are two bars (one by reception and one on the beach) where you can enjoy a selection of drinks and tasty snacks.
7. Don't miss out on the Bahari grill
‘Bahari’ means sea or ocean, so I think you’ve got a clue on what this dreamy dining experience is all about! But just incase, you can eat the Indian Ocean on your plate whilst on the beach overlooking it. When night falls, they fire up the grill and you’ll be met with little twinkling lights everywhere and it’s beyond MAGICAL!
8. Relax at the MAUA spa
Get a relaxing message or treatment at the MAUA wellness spa and salon. If you’re unsure on what treatment to get, you’ll get a complimentary foot message and consultation to figure it out, yep you heard right!
9. Chill at reception
Reception? Really? Yes, really! Zuri has something to do in every corner. You can chat to the friendly receptionists, sit down with a book, play a little pool or sit on the rattan swing chairs and take in the view. After sunset the whole resort lights up and cushions are laid out on the reception steps and it’s these little touches that make the resort extra magical.
10. Go for a yoga session
You can relax with a soul feeding yoga lesson on the yoga deck overlooking the lush greenery and ocean blues as well as request a private lesson.
11. Spend time at the resorts (spice) garden
Here you can enjoy the art of cooking local and international delicacies (and taste them ofcorse). Learn more about the spices and herbs with a guided tour. Or just walk around taking in the views and breathing in the scent of the seductive aromas as you clear your mind. The villas and bungalows are all named after spices and listening to the staff communicating their locations is fascinating, ‘alright Ali, i’ll see you at cinnamon’ haha!
12. Get your dose of water sports
Water enthusiasts take notes! You can book trips aswell as rent your equipment for water sports at the resort itself. From snorkelling to diving, all your water needs are catered to and sealed with guaranteed FUN.
13. Go to the Wimbi shop
Situated on the beach, the Wimbi shop offers a range of beautiful and unique sustainable gifts and souvenirs. Unfortunately, you can’t take Zuri back home with you, but this shop offers a little piece of it so your memories can last a lifetime!
Zuri Zanzibar has fast become my favourite resort in Zanzibar. The story it tells through the traces of the footsteps left behind and their ethics and philosophy would fill anyone with joy. The vibe truly is contagious and intoxicated with love.
Don’t forget to check out my other Zanzibar posts here:
The ultimate Zanzibar travel guide
The Rock Restaurant – magical dining in Zanzibar
If you’re planning a trip abroad or thinking of booking a stay here or elsewhere, please consider using my links below. The support would really help me and my site. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a fab stay!
Till next time! Fatima x
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